Hattie McGregor – Deterioriation

Hattie McGregor about her piano piece “Deteroriation”:

“This piece represents the deterioration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s hearing. While the idea for this comes from his physical illness, this interpretation is an image of the emotional pain he suﬀered due to a separation from listening to music. Based upon the adult composer, the introduction1 of pain and uncertainty becomes music of apprehension2, before morphing into nostalgia3 for his innocence and youth. This all represents resistance against change, against deterioration, which bursts later4 on in the piece. With an agonising but exhilarating release of resistance, the sound begins to metamorphose5 into one more uncertain, but is a less forgiving uncertainty than the beginning of the piece. Gaining momentum, fuelled by memories6 of the grieving introduction and a demented perspective7 on his innocent youth, the transformation collides, through persistent sounds8, with its climax9, the persisitance reminiscent of the sounds which penetrated into Beethoven’s mind. With a sudden but immediately calming halt10, the sound is brought back to what could be haunting, but is instead, completely emotionless.”

Special thanks to John Cooney (Yehudi Menuhin School, UK) for advice and support.

Piano piece “Deterioriation” – in concert:

Hattie McGregor (*2001)

Hattie McGregor grew up in the Black Isle, Scotland, where she performed with the Highland Youth Orchestras and as principle cello with the junior National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. In 2015, she left Scotland to board at the Yehudi Menuhin School where she continues her studies with cellist Bartholomew LaFollette, as well as piano with Alexis White. While studying composition at the school with John Cooney, her compositions for trumpet and trombone have been recorded by John Kenny and Simon Desbruslais. Hattie is generously supported by local donors as well as the Agar Trust and the Music and Dance Scheme.